Importance

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Abstract

A pressure transducer which includes a novel apparatus and method for calibrating a pressure transducer to a monitor used in connection with an indwelling catheter to monitor a patient's blood pressure. The pressure transducer includes a transducer diaphragm disposed within a housing cavity. A manometer and a syringe are connected so as to be in communication with the transducer cavity. By partially withdrawing the plunger of the syringe, the pressure in the transducer cavity is reduced, thereby establishing a pressure drop equal to that measured by the manometer across the transducer diaphragm, thus facilitating calibration of the pressure measurement system. Inasmuch as the indwelling catheter is isolated from the pressure calibration apparatus, the methods and apparatus of the present invention avoid any risk of introducing air bubbles or microorganisms into the indwelling catheter.

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First Claim